Low, turbid water poses a risk to spawning trout Anglers: please don't fish the Esopus Creek from the Shandaken Portal to the Asho...

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

New York DEC Announce $50,000 to Study Livingston Manor Flooding

Flood Study Could Help Advance Resiliency Projects

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that the State will provide up
to $50,000 for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study in the Sullivan
County hamlet of Livingston Manor. Funds will be used to undertake the
Livingston Manor Flood Control Feasibility Study. The funding was
secured with assistance from Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.

"As climate change fuels more intense and frequent storms that
threaten communities and infrastructure across the state, DEC experts
are on the frontlines everyday assisting local governments in planning
for and advancing important flood resiliency projects," said DEC
Commissioner Basil Seggos. "The Livingston Manor Flood Control
Feasibility Study will not only protect this community, it will also
improve the natural resources in the Catskills, which are critical to
the economic vitality of the region."

"The people who live in Livingston Manor have worked so hard to
rebuild and repair flood damage time and time again," Assemblywoman
Gunther said. "This study will help find a solution that works for
everyone."

"It is with great satisfaction and anticipation that we have been
waiting for such needed support from our state agencies. I can't say
enough about our Assembly Women Aileen Gunther, who has witnessed
first-hand, the devastation of flooding to our communities. Time and
time again. We have been working with the ACOE and the DEC for some time
now to develop a plan to reduce flooding in our area. Our small town
atmosphere is a driving force for many new businesses, and the
assistance from our state agency will help bring about positive change,
and continued growth for those who look for a more healthy lifestyle and
quality of life," said Rob Eggleton, Supervisor, town of Rockland.

A joint effort by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DEC, the town of
Rockland, the Livingston Manor Flood Control Feasibility Study was
originally initiated in 2009. In 2016, the study was re-envisioned to
focus solely on flood control, which required additional funding. In
October 2017, DEC committed to providing up to $50,000 to finalize the
study.

DEC is currently working with the U.S. Army Corps to finalize a
contract for the project. The study is anticipated to be completed in
2018. Following completion of the study, the U.S. Army Corps will begin
the design and construction phase of the project with federal, State and
local funding.